From one student to another, a few words of wisdom
What do current students know now that they wish they knew then? From advice on academics to remembering your winter coat, current Skidmore students offer words of wisdom to the incoming class.
Arcadia Cook ’22
Amherst, Massachusetts
Management and Business
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Everyone is truly welcoming. When people are standing behind their club's table at the club fair, they truly do want you to join! Professors really do want you to do well and will take time out of their day just to help you succeed. Skidmore’s community wants you to grow and be the best you can possibly be."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"It's easy to want to stay in your room and watch your favorite TV show, cuddled up in your blanket that still smells like home. But the only way you'll start to feel comfortable is by experiencing all that Skidmore has to offer."
"Soon, you'll find yourself on winter break with plenty of time to catch up on your favorite TV show, wanting to cuddle up with your blanket because it still smells like Skidmore."
Stuti Bagri ’21
Mumbai, India
Psychology
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Leaving a life behind that you’ve built for yourself will be far from easy. Don’t make it any harder on yourself by not making the most of your time at Skidmore."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Make use of your professors’ office hours. They are one of the most valuable academic resources at your disposal."
Theodore Morris ’20
Riverdale, New Jersey
Management and Business
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Everyone is in the same boat. We’re all in a new environment with new people. You shouldn't be afraid to talk to new people and make new friends, because everyone is just as eager as you are."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Don’t be afraid to dive right in and take advantage of all Skidmore has to offer. Getting involved is a great way to meet people and make your Skidmore experience meaningful."
Lily Feldman ’22
Rockville, Maryland
International Affairs
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Bring a warm coat! The snow is beautiful in the winter, but the walk from Harder Hall to class feels extra far when it’s cold."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"If you have a good feeling about an activity, course or group of people, go for it! Skidmore is all about finding what feels right for you. You’ll never know until you try."
Brian Kowalski ’21
Buffalo, New York
Political Science
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"First impressions are important, but don’t fully form an opinion of someone right away. I unfairly judged someone during the first few weeks of school and I wish I hadn’t. When you judge, you close yourself off from meeting some of your best friends in college. Be patient and keep an open mind."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"I’m a shy person, so engaging in conversation with strangers was uncomfortable. But I forced myself to try, and soon, a simple 'Hi' during an awkward elevator ride turned a random chance encounter into a friendship. So go ahead and say 'Hi.' Introduce yourself to new people and Skidmore will quickly feel like your second home."
Sarah Maacha ’20
Marrakech, Morocco
International Affairs
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"No one really knows what they're doing. Those who say they know for sure, don't know. Be OK with not knowing. And be OK questioning what you do know."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Don't be afraid of being a beginner. When you try new things and leave your comfort zone, you may not be great at it at first, but it’s still worth taking the risk. Fail forward."
Shelby Fairchild ’21
Lake Placid, New York
Theater and Classics
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Your friend group will be ever-changing. You may expect to be best friends forever with the first people you meet, but as schedules change and people get more specialized in their major, you’ll grow apart, and that’s OK."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Take classes with as many faculty members in your departments of interest as you can. The more of them you know, the more support you'll have when it comes to completing a major or making connections."
Peris Tushabe ’21
Queensbury, New York
Political Science
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"I wish I would have paced myself a bit more. There's a lot to do in college and you don't have to do it all. Find a few things you are really passionate about and focus on those."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Don't stress out or overthink things. College is a period of transition and many things will change, but it all works out. College life is what you make it. You will succeed."
Sophie Mae Berman ’22
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Political Science
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Don’t be overwhelmed when you receive your syllabi. They are roadmaps for your courses and aren’t meant to be accomplished in a day or a week. You’ll find your coursework rhythm."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Go to office hours! Skidmore professors are dedicated advocates of their students. They generously share their time and passions."
Novilhelha Moleni ’22
Lilongwe, Malawi
Management and Business
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Find the confidence to reach out to your classmates and professors for help. I learned about office hours very late, but now I realize they are a major advantage."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Get involved with campus activities to meet people, but also to showcase your talents in new and different ways. There are so many to choose from — student government, Women in Business, Investment Club, cultural clubs such as African Heritage Awareness and more. It’s here that you’ll make lasting connections."
Shiraz Jafri ’21
Great Neck, New York
Management and Business
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"The writing center is a great resource. It’s on the fourth floor of the library, and if you’re ever stuck or need any advice on writing papers, the people in the writing center are there to help."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Give it everything you have. And don't hesitate to ask your professors for help. They’re all willing to work with you and help in any way they can."
Asia Quinones ’21
Bronx, New York
Psychology
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"I wish I knew how easy it would be to find my central group of friends here. I came to Skidmore knowing nearly no one and now I know nearly everyone."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Don't be afraid to try new things, new classes, new foods or new anything. We often fear new things, but they could quickly become your new thing, if you simply give it a try."
Hadia Bakkar ’20
Damascus, Syria
Political Science
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing …
"Always be open-minded. I wish I knew that I would connect with and befriend people from all different backgrounds and interests, both inside and outside the classroom."
If I could offer some words of wisdom to new students …
"Get out of your comfort zone and try different clubs and student organizations. They will help you meet new people and adjust to campus life."
Life at Skidmore
Daily life at Skidmore is everything you’d expect and more. But, don’t just take our word for it. Read and listen to stories by current students for prospective students that illustrate what it’s really like to live your Life at Skidmore.